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Improving the Quality of a Groundnut Population in Zambia by Bulk Selection of Seed

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

R. L. Thomas ,
A. J. Prior  and
J. E. Grafius
R. L. Thomas
Affiliation:
Mskera Regional Research Station, P.O. Box 89, Chipata, Zambia
A. J. Prior
Affiliation:
Mskera Regional Research Station, P.O. Box 89, Chipata, Zambia
J. E. Grafius
Affiliation:
Mskera Regional Research Station, P.O. Box 89, Chipata, Zambia
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Summary

Substantial improvement is reported in a quality measure, large seed size, after only one generation of mass selection from a bulk ‘Chalimbana’ population of Zambian land races of the inbred species Arachis hypogaea L. There were large positive correlations between seed size as planted and the subsequent mean size harvested. Large seed also tended to produce an increased proportion of 2- rather than 3-seeded pods, further improving both crop uniformity and quality. Total yield was unaffected, or possibly even slightly enhanced, by planting larger kernels. The circumstantial advantages of mass as opposed to pedigree selection methods are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 10 , Issue 3 , July 1974 , pp. 185 - 192
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1974

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References

REFERENCES

Smartt, J. (1961). Rhod. Agric.J. 58, 94.Google Scholar
Smartt, J. (1966). Groundnut Production in Zambia. Dept. Agric., Zambia.Google Scholar